USA > Illinois > St Clair County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of St. Clair County, Volume II > Part 23
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PUGILISM .- In the late 'sixties and early 'sev- enties, St. Louis followers of the fighting game made East St. Louis their "stamping ground,"
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greatly to the disgust of the better class of its citizens. From time to time, prizefights were pulled off on the east side of the river under the auspices of the outside sporting men. As it became evident that protest would be unavailing, in 1873 Mayor Bowman and his friends resolved to adopt drastic measures to rid the town of an evil that was giving it an unenviable reputation throughout the country. He was certain of the support of the then Chief of Police, Captain Renshaw, and had a stanch henchman in Michael Walsh. He en- listed the aid of James W. Hughes, Sheriff of St. Clair County. Choosing his time when the "sports" were gathered for a prize-fight, he had the whole gang arrested on warrants sworn out by Captain Renshaw and many of them were bound over to await the action of the grand jury. This summary and surprising onslaught had the effect of breaking up the pugilistic "contests" and ridding East St. Louis of an unwelcome class of visitors.
THE EAST ST. LOUIS PUBLIC LIBRARY had its inception in quite a different institution-a cir- culating library-whose members paid a cer- tain monthly or annual fee for the privilege of borrowing such books as it contained. This library was the child of William O'Neill, a city official, who was responsible in his day for more than one enterprise utilitarian in char- acter.
When the law had been passed granting cit- ies free library rights, O'Neill and Mayor John B. Bowman used this library as the nucleus for a public library, and proceeded to enlarge and strengthen the latter. In 1872, W. S. Larrimer was Librarian, and Miss Laura Paint- er Assistant.
Among the various citizens who served as Directors of the Library in those early days may be named: J. B. Bowman, Luke Hite, Dr. H. C. Fairbrother, William O'Neill, Edward L. McDonough, J. M. Sullivan (of the Island), and P. M. Sullivan. Among the Librarians and Assistant Librarians were L. D. Caulk, John P. Hite, E. L. McDonough, J. W. Kirk, C. B. Carroll and R. E. Barrowman.
This library had accumulated some 4,000 volumes, some of which would be almost price- less today-such as "Audubon's Birds," and several rare and now unpurchasable European works, when, in 1881, it was totally destroyed by fire. It might be appropriate to state that
it had not been used from the time of the municipal troubles of 1878, because of the un- fortunate strife that marked the intervening years. No step was taken during the succeed- ing decade toward supplying the needs of the city in this direction.
When M. M. Stephens was elected Mayor, he advocated the creation of a new library, and the City Council passed an ordinance May 22, 1891, ordaining its re-establishment. Ow- ing, however, to a shortage of funds, no Library Board was appointed until January 22, 1892, when a full board of nine menibers was ap- pointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. This board at once organized, and rented the third story of the Adele building at the corner of Main Street and Broadway. It procured such equipment and books as the funds at its disposal would allow, and in Au- gust, that year, opened the doors of a free public library once more to the city. Thomas Nelson was elected Librarian, and Misses Myra Gray and Minnie Turner, Assistants.
From the beginning, the library became one of the most popular institutions of the city; and it was but a short time until it was evi- dent to all that quarters much larger and es- pecially adapted to library purposes were im- peratively demanded. Accordingly, the Board took steps for the erection of a library building extensive enough to meet all demands for a long time to come, and notified the City Council that, under the law of 1891, they had deter- mined to accumulate a fund for that purpose. They certified a tax of $40,000 for the erection of a building-its collection to extend over a period of five years. Later this amount was increased to $50,000. Through the instrumen- tality of Mr. J. T. McCasland and others, a lot for a site was donated to the Board, and the building was at once begun. After a Belleville bank had decided not to take a loan of $34,000, to be secured by mortgage on the lot and contemplated structure, which loan was to bear date October 1, 1894, and be paid in three equal annual installments, the money was finally obtained from H. D. Sexton & Bro., of East St. Louis.
There was in the hands of the Board before this loan was made about $16,000. June 14, 1894, the contracts for the building were awarded to Mackie & Rose-the building to be completed by January 1, 1895. The architects
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
and even the members of the Board person- ally superintended the construction of the building and compelled the contractors to com- ply with all the terms of the contract, which they at times seemed disposed* to evade Finally, the Board took the contract from the contractors and completed it themselves. The total cost of the building complete, with all its appointments, was $55,863.
This building is an ornament to East St. Louis and would grace any city. It is of classic outline, yet modern in all the conve- niences of a library. Its architecture is in the style of the Italian Renaissance. It has a front- age on Broadway of seventy-five feet and a depth of 110 feet on Eighth Street. In height it is three stories, with a twelve-foot basement. When this building had been completed the citizens felt sure that the book fund would in- crease and prepared to install the library in its new quarters with appropriate ceremonies.
Accordingly, elaborate preparations were made, and the inhabitants of the city turned out en masse to attend the dedication in the new building. The entire Library Board, the officials and employes of the Public and Mer- cantile Libraries of St. Louis, the Library Board of Belleville and library officials from other localities were guests on this occasion. Addresses were delivered by President D. C. Marsh, of the Library Board, Hon. W. S. For- man, and Hon. W. A. Rodenberg. After this event, the library was well patronized and has continued to grow at a rapid rate, both in contents and patronage. There are now about 25,000 volumes and a museum of curiosities; and the reading rooms are patronized daily by hundreds of persons who use magazines, newspapers and works of reference which, in comprehensive variety, are kept ready for their conveniences.
One librarian and three lady assistants are constantly at work serving the public with unvarying courtesy and energy. The building contains a teachers' room, a children's room and an assembly room, besides immense stack rooms, offices, and unoccupied rooms on the second and third floors. The first floor and basement are leased to a wholesale grocery firm. The building served to house the city government of East St. Louis from the time of the destructive tornado of May 27, 1896, until the completion of the present city hall.
The roster of citizens who have served on the Library Board contains the names of many whose memory must be forever associated with the building of the city. They have given freely of their time to this laudable enterprise. It is but just in this connection to mention them and the officials they have employed to man- age the institution.
Nine thousand dollars a year is spent at the present time in maintaining and operating the library. Of this, $3,900 pays the Librarian, his three assistants and the janitor. An additional $1,800 rent will be available; and still the ne- cessities of the library call for more and more liberal appropriations. This is not to be won- dered at when we consider the marvelous growth of East St. Louis and the progressive character of its inhabitants.
Following are the names and dates of serv- ice of officers and directors of the Library Board and of Librarians and Assistant Librarians since the re-establishment of the library:
Presidents: D. C. Marsh, 1892-96; H. C. Fair- brother, 1896-'98; H. F. Parry, 1898-'99; C. F. Wilhelmj, 1899-1903; H. C. Fairbrother, 1903- '05; George Caughlan, 1905 (now in office).
Vice-Presidents: James P. Slade, 1892-'96; Thomas Knoebel, 1896-'98; G. W. Thompson, 1898-1900; T. J. McDonough, 1900-'03; John J. Townsend, 1903-'05 (now in office).
Secretaries: H. F. Parry, 1892-'96, and 1899- 1903; H. M. Hill, 1896-'98; A. L. Keechler, 1898-'99; T. J. McDonough, 1903-'05; J. B. House, 1905 (now in office).
Librarians: Miss Laura B. Painter, 1892 (March to September) ; Thomas Nelson, 1892- '96; Miss Minnie G. Turner, 1896-'97, 1899-1900; Samuel Buchanan, 1897-1899; H. F. Woods, 1901-'02; John E. Miller, 1902-'04; J. Lyon Woodruff, 1904-'06.
Assistant Librarians: Miss Laura Painter, 1892-'93, 1896-'97; Mrs. S. G. Delerno, 1892-93; Miss Minnie G. Turner, 1893-'95, 1897-1900; Miss Myra B. Gray, 1894-1900; Miss Mary G. Keane, 1899-1906; Miss Bessie Barrows, 1900-'04; Mrs. F. Turpin, 1903-'06; Miss Minnie Rodenberger, 1903-'06.
Directors: D. C. Marsh, 1892-'96; A. L. Keechler, 1892-1904; M. B. Sheridan, 1892-'96; J. W. Kirk, 1892-1903; Samuel Buchanan, 1892- '97; H. F. Parry, 1892-1903; J. P. Slade, 1892- '96; George Worstenholm, 1892-'96; O.
C. Bates, 1892-93; G. H. Kemper, 1892-'96; H. M.
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
Hill, 1896-'98; John Kickham, 1896-'98; Joseph A. Kurrus, 1896-'98; Thomas Knoebel, 1896-'99; Michael Buckley, 1896-'99; H. C. Fairbrother, 1896-1905; C. F. Wilhelmj, 1897-1903; James M. Sheer, 1898-1904; G. W. Thompson, 1898- 1904; G. W. Brichler, 1899-1905; T. J. McDon- ough, 1899-1905; J. J. Townsend, 1903-'06; W. K. Moody, 1903-'06; Andrew Zittel, 1904-'07; Joseph Meamber, 1904-'07; W. H. Horner, 1904- '07; George Caughlan, 1904-'07; J. B. House, 1905-'08; J. W. Holl, 1905-'08; Eugene Thomp- son, 1905-'08.
THE PRESS-DAILY, WEEKLY AND MONTHLY .- The "East St. Louis Gazette," a weekly news- paper, was founded in 1865 by former Mayor John B. Bowman. A daily issue was begun in 1877, but was soon discontinued. The paper is now owned by Frank B. Bowman, the son of Mayor Bowman, with John H. Suess as publish- er and Alonzo B. Suess as business manager. It is Democratic in politics. (For a fuller sketch of the "Gazette," see chapter XVIII. on "Journalism.")
The "East St. Louis Evening Journal" was first issued in 1889. James W. Kirk is its editor. It is published by Frank P. Fox & Co. In politics it is independent.
The "Western Workman" first appeared in 1897. It is a Democratic paper published by Lawrence G. Merrill and edited by John W. Merrill.
The "Republican News," now in its twelfth volume, is published weekly by the East St. Louis Publishing Company. E. C. Singers is Manager, S. W. Baxter, editor.
The "Weekly Message," established in 1902 by William E. Rutledge and still published and edited by him, stands for reforms and makes a specialty of advocating law enforcement.
The "East St. Louis Zeitung," an evening newspaper, was established in 1903. It is pub- lished by the German Publishing Company and edited by Dr. William Fargo.
The "East St. Louis Daily Commercial," a Democratic newspaper, is published by J. W. Merrill & Son.
The "Daily National Live-Stock Reporter," the agricultural daily of St. Louis, is pub- lished at the National Stock Yards, by the Reporter Publishing Company, W. S. Hannah, Secretary and Treasurer. It is in its seven- teenth volume.
The "East St. Louis Advance Citizen," which
dates from 1894, is a Republican paper pub- lished weekly for colored patrons by H. T. Bowman, who also edits it.
"Poultry Culture," a monthly, established in 1901, is edited by Edwin C. Singers. It is published by the Poultry Culture Publishing Company.
STREET AND SUBURBAN RAILROADS .- The East St. Louis and Suburban Company was incor- porated in New Jersey in 1902 and holds the stock and bonds of the East St. Louis Railway Company, the St. Louis & East St. Louis Elec- tric Railway Company, the East St. Louis & Suburban Railway Company and the Citizens' Electric Light and Power Company of East St. Louis, and the bonds of the East St. Louis & Belleville Electric Railroad Company. The East St. Louis and Suburban Company owns all the stock and the bonds of these operating companies, but the companies themselves are operated by the East St. Louis and Suburban Railway. The franchises extend from forty-six to fifty years, with the exception of the Belle- ville franchise, which expires in 1920. The company also has exclusive right for operating electric cars over the Eads bridge for a period of fifty years. The total trackage operated is 115 miles.
LAWYERS OF THE PRESENT TIME .- Alexander Flannigen, John L. Flannigen, Forman and Whitnel, Jesse M. Freels, Anderson B. Garrett, Robert V. Gustin, Frank B. Hanna, Raymond B. Hendricks, Luke H. Hite, James L. Hopkins, Anthony A. Hunt, Arnold C. Johnson, Samuel S. Jones, Maurice V. Joyce, Keefe and Sulli- van, William B. Knowles, Martin D. Baker, William H. Bennett, William Bott, Daniel P. Boyle, Leroy H. Browning, Daniel Burroughs, Bruce H. Campbell, B. H. Canby, Charles B. Carroll, Michael J. Carroll, Eustace W. Chism, William L. Coley, Alfred B. Davis, Dempcy and Baxter, Alfred A. Eicks, Thomas L. Fekete, Robert Flannigan, Victor K. Koerner, Kramer and Kramer, William P. Launtz, Richard J. Long, Louden and Crow, N. C. Lyria, Franklin A. McConaughy, Daniel McGlynn, McHale and Sumner, Joseph H. McMurdo, Joseph B. Mes- sick, Mortimer Millard, Henry W. Moore, Wil- liam C. Mulkey, John P. Mullane, Charles Neustadt, George F. O'Melveny, Clarence E. Pope, James J. Rafter, Ramsey and Hamlin, Charles E. Ritcher, William A. Rodenberg, William R. Rodenberger, Frank C. Smith, Stein,
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
Wulff and Ring, D. J. Sullivan, William T. Sum- ner, William E. Trautmann, Silas W. Trush, Wilton M. Vandeventer, Oswald L. Voigt, Philip H. Wagner, William Warner, Webb and Webb, Wise and McNulty, Daniel G. Wuersch.
MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS OF TODAY .- George C. Adams, Lee D. Applewhite, A. L. Barnard, Hu- bert B. Beedle, Lyman B. Bluitt, Emmett H. Bottom, Mrs. Cerilda Bromley, Jacob Butler, Henry A. Cables, John C. Caldwell, Richard L. Campbell, Edward W. Cannady, Matthew S. Carr, Richard W. Carter, B. Conrad, James A. Crow, Ora J. Culbertson, Henry J. de Haan, Martin R. Doyle, John W. Dwyer, Charles E. Eisele, Miss Florence L. Evans, Henry C. Fair- brother, Alexander Fekete, John F. Ford, Fou- lon and Foulon, M. M. Glass, Henry S. Goe, Charles W. Gowan, James A. Grimes, George Gundlach, Thomas Hagarty, Miss Anna M. A. Hahn, Adolph E. Hansing, Henry Hanson, Henry G. Hertel, John I. Higgs, A . C. Housh, Caroline Howes, George O. Hulick, Francis Hirsch, Otto W. Knewitz, Gordon Led- erman, Daniel W. LeGrand, Edward J. Leon- ard, Charles W. Lillie, Adolph E. Linder, Louis J. Linder, John Lippert, E. H. Little, H. M. Lit- tle, Robert M. Little, Harlan W. Long, James W. McDonald, Alfred A. McBrien, James G. McBrien, Robert X. McCracken, Andrew J. Mc- Gaffigan, Albert B. McQuillan, Albert Miller, Charles L. Moeller, Joseph T. Pace, Joel J. Parker, James W. Rendleman, William H. Re- nois, Henry Ressel, A. E. Rives, Ulysses S. Short, Charles S. Skaggs, Carroll Smith, Charles A. Smith, Harvey S. Smith, Henry D. Smith, William C. Spannagel, Roy T. Stanton, Joseph E. State, George A. Stewart, Eugene Thomp- son, F. M. Triggs, Robert A. Twitchell, William E. Wiatt, William S. Wiatt, Leaming J. Wig- gins, Charles F. Wilhelmj, Walter Wilhelmj, Augustus B. Wood, Alexander Woods, Ira C. Young, Carl A. W. Zimmermann.
To WHOM HONOR IS DUE .- To bring about the wonderful growth of East St. Louis there have been agencies at work over and above the natural advantages of the city. The people fought for and won the advantage of good gov- ernment. They considered that essential to the building of a city, and that is what they wanted to do. In all important public move- ments, leaders are necessary. The East St. Louisans had leaders-born leaders. Thomas L. Fekete, Sr., and Henry D. Sexton were
among these leaders-there were several, along different ways to the same high place. Inter- ested in banking, insurance and real estate operations, they unfalteringly believed in a fu- ture city where East St. Louis now stands, and they imbued all with whom they came in contact with some measure of the hopeful and helpful spirit. These men, with Paul W. Abt, should have credit for very much of the growth and prosperity that have given East St. Louis its present proud position. Besides these, certain men who, fortunately, have oc- cupied the Mayor's chair since East St. Louis became a city, have efficiently and patriotically promoted her development.
Readers who look for historic mention of several interests not here mentioned, or at the most only casually attended to, are referred to other chapters in this volume. The plan of this work calls for the consideration of certain interesting topics in a manner broad enough to identify them with general county, rather than local history.
CHAPTER XIX.
TOWNS, VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
MASCOUTAH. - LEBANON - O'FALLON - CASEY- VILLE - MILLSTADT - MARISSA - NEW ATH- ENS - SUMMERFIELD - FAYETTEVILLE - LENZ- BURG - FREEBURG - DARMSTADT - EAST CA- RONDELET-CAHOKIA AND ITS EARLY HISTORY- PRAIRIE DU PONT-FRENCH VILLAGE-SMITHTON -OTHER VILLAGES, HAMLETS AND RAILWAY STA- TIONS-PLACES OF COMMERCIAL OR HISTORIC IN- TEREST-RURAL NEWSPAPERS OF TODAY-FREE- BURG TRIBUNE-LEBANON JOURNAL AND LEBA- NON LEADER - MARISSA MESSENGER - DER MAS- COUTAH ANZEIGER, MASCOUTAH HERALD AND MASCOUTAH TIMES - MILLSTADT ENTERPRISE - O'FALLON PROGRESS-NEW ATHENS JOURNAL.
MASCOUTAH, in Mascoutah Township, on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, was laid out by T. J. Krafft and John Flanagan April 6, 1837, and named Mechanicsburg. It had then two blocks of six lots each, three blocks of twelve lots each, and one block not divided into lots, called "the mill lot." Samuel Dixon, a hunter,
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
who lived directly south of Postel's mills, built there the first hut within the present limits of Mascoutah. After the town was platted Sam- uel Mitchell built the first house (a log cabin), and also erected a saw-mill. In March, 1839, Fritz Hilgard, T. J. Krafft and Benjamin J. West laid out an addition containing seventy- two lots, and then was first recorded the name "Mascoutah," by which the town has since been known. Many other additions have since been made, West Mascoutah being laid out in thirty-six lots by H. F. Teichmann, in January, 1857.
Dr. Brewington was the first merchant at Mascoutah, but stayed there only a few months. Lewis Hauck was the first child born in the village. His father, once connected with the "Belleville Zeitung," published work on chancery, which he dedicated to Judge Sidney Breese. Dr. Smith, a son-in-law of Major Brown, was the first practicing physician. The first church and first school-house were erected north of Postel's mills. Nathaniel Fike was the first local Postmaster. Fike & Crownover bought Brewington's store, which later passed to the ownership of E. Bagby, the second Post- master, who was appointed by President Wil- liam H. Harrison.
Hilgard, Conrad & Heimberger bought the old Mitchell Mill in 1835, added a flour-bolt run by hand-power, and ground wheat and corn- meal on the same stone. These men later built the second store building in the settlement, at the corner of Jefferson and Main Streets. Conrad and Philip Eisenmayer bought the mill property in 1839, took in as a partner Philip H. Postel, enlarged the mill and manufactured and exported flour. This old mill, which stood about fifty feet south-east of the present Postel Mill, was moved in 1850 to Clinton County. The second mill-now the Postel Mill-was built by Andrew Eisenmayer and Philip Postel in 1848. This is now owned by the Postels, and is one of the largest mills in this part of the country. There were, a quarter of a century ago, two other large mills in Mascoutah, one owned by Sehlinger & Schubkegel, and the other by Klee- kamp & Hussman. Flour was then shipped in considerable quantities from Mascoutah to Eng- land, France and Germany.
For a time Mascoutah grew slowly; but from 1840, when German immigration to this region began, up to 1860, it advanced rapidly. It is
now a substantial town, with nearly all its prin- cipal business houses on one moderately-built-up street. Mascoutah, with 2,500 population, ranks third among the towns of St. Clair County.
In order to afford an idea of the business enterprise of Mascoutah, we present a list of its chief industries, interests and business and professional men:
Lawyers-George F. Wombacher, Peter W. Lill.
Doctors-H. Herold, W. P. Heinrich, E. F. Scheve, George Leibrock.
Banks-Private bank of Gust J. Scheve, founded November, 1892; capital, $30,000. The Cashier is Louis Scheve, son of Gust J. Scheve.
Coal Mines-The Beatty Coal Company has two mines, one north of Mascoutah, the other two miles west. They were sunk about 1874, and are owned by Mrs. Beatty and her sons, who constitute a stock company. Officers- President, James Beatty; Secretary, Nephi Beatty. The Kolb Coal Company's mines are located three miles southwest of Mascoutah. The officers are: President, Philip Kolb; Sec- retary, E. R. Hagist; Treasurer, Philip Hucke; Vice-President, Jacob G. Mann.
Brick Manufacturers-The Mascoutah Brick Company has a pressed brick plant, which was established in 1902 and employs thirty men. It is southwest of Mascoutah on the Louisville & Nashville track. Officers-President, George W. Lischer; Secretary and Treasurer, John Facht.
Brewers-The Mascoutah Brewing Company was established in 1860 and has changed hands several times. It has been under the present management fifteen years. Officers-President, E. R. Hagist; Secretary, H. F. Teichman; Treasurer, Gust. J. Scheve; Superintendent, Oscar Klinke.
Dairy-The Mutual Creamery Company was established in Southern Mascoutah in 1903. Its products took a silver medal at the World's Fair in St. Louis. Officers-President, George F. Wombacher; Secretary, John Scharth; Treasurer, George Draser; Superintendent, Christ Christensen, who is a man of note in this business.
Millers-The early history of the Philip H. Postel Milling Company has been mentioned in connection with the early history of Mascoutah. Philip H. Postel became identified with the mill in November, 1849. In 1851, a new mill
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
of 150-barrel capacity was erected on the pres- ent site, and soon Mr. Postel became sole owner and manager. Business steadily increased. In 1886, the business was incorporated under the State laws with the following named officers: Philip H. Postel, Sr., President; Philip H. Pos- tel, Jr., Vice-President; Julius Postel, Secre- tary; and George Postel, Treasurer, and this organization has been continued to the present time. The plant now comprises a flour-mill with a capacity of 600 barrels; an elevator, ca- pacity, 170,000 bushels; a cooper-shop employ- ing forty mechanics; a warehouse on the Louis- ville & Nashville tracks, with a storage capacity of 6,000 barrels; a corn-mill with a capacity of 300 barrels of grist and cornmeal every twen- ty-four hours; and an elevator, with a capacity of 20,000 bushels. As to the merit of the Postel flour, we need only say that it has been imi- tated by inferior brands, an unconscious com- pliment, as-truly-"Imitation is the sincerest flattery." These mills manufacture the follow- ing brands: "Elegant," "Edna Patent," "Post- el's Extra," "Mascoutah Star," "Postel's A," and, in cornmeal and grits, the "Amelia Grit," "Right Kind Meal" and "Favorite." The Postel Company ships to all points in the South, South- east, and to foreign ports, where the demand is continuous.
Telegraph and Telephone-The Western Union Telegraph Company and the Bell and Kinloch Telephone Companies have systems here with ample facilities.
Library-There is a circulating library with a membership fee of $1 a year.
Newspapers-"The Mascoutah Herald" was established in January, 1885, by Carl Montag, who still owns it. It has a circulation of 1,275, which, without question, shows its popularity, if we consider that the population of Mascoutah is scarcely equal to double that number. "The Herald's" mechanical equipment consists of a Cottrell country cylinder press, two job presses -all operated by a gasoline engine; a large as- sortment of the latest designed type-faces, to which additions are made from time to time, and a complete stock of standard type. Mr. Montag learned the printing business in Mas- coutah in 1875, and later was employed in lead- ing newspaper offices and printing establish- ments in New York, Chicago, Cleveland and St. Louis, where he was noted for rapidity and correctness as a compositor. His reputation
and personal popularity in his home city are very clearly indicated in the circulation of his paper. "The Mascoutah Anzeiger" was estab- lished in 1876. It is published by C. J. Lischer, and has a circulation of about 600. "The Times" was first issued in 1899; A. J. Mollman is editor and publisher.
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